The I ♥ Cebu blog by Peanut Browas

Bisnok is a term derived from two Cebuano words, “Bisaya” and “Manok.” The word “bisaya” refers to the language while “manok” is the Cebuano word for chicken. The dish is a famous delicacy of the town of Dumanjug, Cebu.

Bisnok of Dumanjug – image source: dumanjug.gov.ph

Dumanjug

Dumanjug is located on the southwestern part of Cebu and is home to one of the oldest churches in Cebu, St. Francis de Assisi Parish Church. In addition, the town also features the Doña Josefa Paras Garcia Heritage Park, which used to be the Cuartel of the American forces during the Spanish-American War. The town also celebrates its annual Sinanggiyaw Festival as a form of thanksgiving for the blessings the town receives each year.

Bisnok of Dumanjug – image source: wikimapia.org

There are actually a number of accounts on how the town of Dumanjug got its name. One account indicates that it came from traders selling native chicken to neighboring towns. They used to shout out “Du, Manok Tinuhog,” while selling their chicken. Due to this, the town was called Dumanjug or “du-man-hog” in reference to the popular native chicken dish from the town.

Bisnok of Dumanjug

The town of Dumanjug is the only place where you can find authentic inasal bisayang manok. The delicacy features purely organic chicken filled with secret spices. The distinctive taste of the delicacy comes from the spices and the fact that it cooked using a coconut stalk. Instead of rotating the native chicken while it is cooked, it is flipped over. In addition, the native chicken is fried before the seasoning is added.

Bisnok of Dumanjug – image source: dumanjug.gov.ph

​These preparation and cooking methods of the bisnok of Dumanjug adds to its unique taste, which is better compared to ordinary fried chicken. The locals also consider the bisnok as the best way for them to take any feeling of sadness away.

Bisnok of Dumanjug – image source: imagala.com

You can never really say that you have been to the town of Dumanjug if you have not tasted their uniquely-flavored bisnok. Have you tasted the bisnok of Dumanjug already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.